IMS seeks state help for $70M in upgrades
A state senator plans to introduce a bill creating an Indiana Motorsports Investment District that would capture state sales, income and corporate taxes for future investment in the Speedway.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Indiana Democrats to seek Medicaid expansion
Democratic leaders in the Indiana General Assembly are seeking expanded Medicaid coverage with the argument that it will lower health care costs statewide.
Indiana House education panel OKs voucher expansion
The measure would remove a one-year waiting period students have to spend in public school before qualifying for a voucher and qualify wealthier families for the program in certain cases.
Ballard won’t levy charter fee, despite fiscal squeeze
Mayor Greg Ballard is nationally recognized as a rigorous charter authorizer, picky about which schools open and willing to shut down the under-performers. But there is a cost to the city’s education work and Ballard may have to consider how much of it can be supported by the city’s maxed-out general fund alone.
I-69 leg gobbling up state’s road funding
As legislators brace for a $250 million annual transportation spending gap down the road, the Indiana Department of Transportation has designated more than one-third of its entire federal highway aid this year toward building 27 miles of Interstate 69 between Crane and Bloomington.
Senators look to sunset city’s ticket, excise tax hikes
Legislator says the recent tax increases aren’t being used for the purpose intended when such increases were authorized in 2009.
Lawmakers sideline same-sex marriage ballot until 2014
Indiana's Republican House and Senate leaders said Thursday they will wait a year before they take up an effort to write a same-sex marriage ban into the state's constitution.
Craft brewers stay neutral on Sunday alcohol sales
Indiana's craft breweries account for only a tiny percentage of annual statewide beer sales, but they've enjoyed a sweet spot on Sundays for the past two-plus years.
Bloomington delays vote on parking meter plan
The council voted 8-1 to push back its decision on the plan for six weeks to give business leaders time to prepare alternative proposals.
Struggling Greenwood biotech firm finds buyer
Elona Biotechnologies Inc., which has been struggling to repay Greenwood for more than $8 million in economic development incentives, says it has solution to its financial problems.
Pence rules out Medicaid expansion in current form
Gov. Mike Pence said Wednesday that he has ruled out expanding Medicaid under the federal health care law unless Indiana gets approval to use state health savings accounts for the expansion.
Bill limiting Indiana specialty auto plates advances
The state lawmaker trying to overhaul Indiana's specialty auto license plate system said Wednesday he believed a compromise has been reached on changes.
Is Indianapolis becoming too expensive for conventions?
A recent tax increase coupled with cut-rate competition from other cities has Indianapolis-area convention and meeting officials fretting about losing a longtime cost advantage.
Judge OKs sale of Indiana’s oldest ethanol plant
A joint venture bought the New Energy Corp. plant at auction last week for $2.5 million. New Energy had hoped the auction would cover the company’s $54 million in debt. A large portion of that debt is owed to the U.S. Department of Energy, which guaranteed the original loans.
Postal Service plans to eliminate Saturday delivery
The U.S. Postal Service will stop delivering mail on Saturdays but continue to deliver packages six days a week under a plan aimed at saving about $2 billion annually, the financially struggling agency says.
Jury: Real estate execs Bales, Spencer not guilty of fraud
SOUTH BEND — John M. Bales lifted his crossed hands to his face and began to cry Thursday evening as a federal judge read the same jury verdict on each of 13 fraud counts against the real estate broker and his partner: Not guilty.
Fate uncertain on Sunday alcohol-sales bill
Supporters of ending Indiana's ban on Sunday retail alcohol sales will have to wait at least another week before knowing whether their effort will advance in the Indiana Legislature.
Indiana Senate backs cursive writing requirement
Senators voted 36-13 Tuesday in favor of the proposal despite arguments from some senators that it represents an unwarranted mandate from the state on local school districts.
Bill relaxing state superintendent rules advances
The Indiana House has approved a bill that would end the requirement that local school superintendents hold a state superintendent's or teacher's license.
Pence supports large expansion of voucher program
Pence policy director Marilee Springer told members of the House education committee Tuesday that the governor supports a sweeping package of education changes that would end a one-year waiting period to obtain the scholarships.